Wooldridge, Mary A. (Porter) 1863 - 1934

WOOLDRIDGE, WOALDRIDGE, WARD, PETO, NELSON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/6/2021 at 12:36:47

Clayton County Register, Thur., 01 Mar. 1934.

Mary Porter, daughter of John and Harriet Porter, was born in Clayton county near Littleport, Iowa, August 24, 1863, and quietly passed away at the home of her eldest daughter, Mrs. John Ward, near Wadena, the 23rd day of February, 1934, at the age of 70 years, 6 months.

She was united in marriage to Willis S. Woaldridge in August, 1886. To this union five children were born. One son, Clyde, preceded the parents in death several years ago.

Mrs. Woaldridge and her husband spent the early years of their married life in and around Edgewood and Arlington, later moving to Cedar Rapids where they resided until after the death of Mr. Woaldridge about a year ago. Since that time Mrs. Woaldridge has been tenderly cared for at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ward.

About twenty-five years ago Mrs. Woaldridge united with the Church of Christ at Arlington, Rev. J. P. Childs performing the baptismal rites. During the later years she had been unable to attend services on account of failing health but clung steadfastly to her faith in Jesus Christ. Clung with such fidelity that when the final summons came she could place her hands in His and say "I am not afraid."

Mrs. Woaldridge leaves to mourn her departure one son Nathan, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and three daughters, Mrs. John Ward, of Wadena, Iowa, Mrs. Harry Peto, of Davenport, Iowa, Mrs. George Nelson, of Glenwood, Iowa; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Woaldridge were held in the Methodist church at Strawberry Point on Monday morning, February 26, conducted by Rev. T. J. Elwick, pastor. Burial was made in the Strawberry Point cemetery by the side of her husband.

The casket bearers were: Owen Cummings, Earl Walters, Frank Leahy, Will Chase, Allen Robinson, and Willie Frey.

"A precious one from us is gone
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled.
God in his wisdom has recalled,
The boon his love had given,
And though the body slumbers here,
The soul is safe in Heaven."

(Note: WPA records indicate Mary A. Woodridge, 1863 - 23 Feb. 1934, buried in strawberry Point cemetery. Correct surname spelling is WOOLDRIGE)